Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program

To be eligible for the program, a livestock owner must meet the following conditions:

Be a person (includes a sole proprietor, corporation, partnership and unincorporated association).

Be in compliance with and remain in compliance with all federal, provincial and municipal laws.

Have a valid premises identification (PID) number for the farm property where the damage or kill occurred or a confirmation letter provided by the Indian Agriculture Program of Ontario (IAPO), or, for beehive, bee colony or beehive-related equipment damage, have a beekeeper ID registered under the Bees Act.

Have a valid Farm Business Registration Number (FBRN) or valid FBRN exemption.

A valid FBRN will be current as of the date of injury or death listed on the application, and it will also reference the owner's name (business or owner name) listed on the program application.

A valid FBRN exemption will:

Be current as of the date of injury or death listed on the application.

Reference the owner's name (business or owner name) listed on the program application

Be one of the following:

Religious Exemption: requires a copy of the Religious Exemption Letter as provided by the Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Appeal Tribunal (AFRAAT).

Cultural Exemption for Indigenous producers: requires a letter from the Indian Agriculture Program of Ontario (IAPO) verifying the farm business operates in the First Nations community.

Gross Farm Income Exemption Certificate: granted by OMAFRA.

Provide and demonstrate that reasonable care of livestock, poultry, beehives, bee colonies and beehive-related equipment has been taken in order to prevent predation.

Ensure sufficient evidence is available in order to determine that predation was the cause of death/injury.

If you believe you have suffered an injury or kill of livestock or poultry due to predation, you should immediately notify the Municipal Livestock Investigator. Do not remove the carcass from the attack site as the Livestock Investigator needs to examine the area for evidence to help determine the cause of the loss.

Livestock Investigator

Larry Nydam

Frequently Asked Questions

The Livestock Investigator has 3 days from the time they are contacted to attend on-site and investigate the predation claim. The Livestock Investigator will complete a written report, and submit it to the Municipal Office within 10 days. The report provides details regarding the type of predator and the extent of damage to the livestock or poultry. A copy of the report will be sent by regular mail or email to you.

If you do not agree with the Livestock Investigator’s report, you may appeal to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, in writing, within 20 business days of receiving the report. A cheque or money order for $25, payable to the "Minister of Finance" must accompany the appeal. The $25 fee will be refunded, if the appeal is upheld.